Pediatric Renal Tumors

You can rely on UM Children's Hospital for expert treatment when your child is facing a renal tumor diagnosis.

Choose UM Children’s for Renal Tumor Treatment

The pediatric cancer team at UM Children’s Hospital works closely with you to talk through each step of the treatment plan and address any questions or concerns you have.

We offer comprehensive support services, including social workers, child life specialists, and psychologists, to help your child and your family cope throughout the treatment process. We also provide support groups and counseling.

To discuss your child’s renal tumor diagnosis or related concerns, call 410-328-2808 for an appointment.

What Are Pediatric Renal Tumors?

Pediatric renal tumors – also called kidney tumors – are abnormal growths of cells in a child's kidney. While uncommon, they are the most common type of childhood abdominal tumor.

There are different types of pediatric renal tumors, with Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) being the most common, accounting for around 90% of cases.

Types of Pediatric Renal Tumors

Wilms tumor – This is the most common type and usually affects children between ages 3 and 5.
Congenital mesoblastic nephroma – This tumor typically occurs in infants under 3 months old (and is sometimes found before birth) and is often benign (noncancerous).
Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney – This is a more aggressive cancerous tumor and is more common in older children and teenagers.
Renal cell carcinoma – This is rarely diagnosed in children under 15, and more common in children ages 15 to 19.
Rhabdoid tumor of the kidney – This is a rare childhood tumor that often starts in the kidney but can develop in other soft tissues, with an average diagnosis age of 15 months.

Signs and Symptoms of Renal Tumors in Kids

Symptoms of a pediatric renal tumor can vary depending on the child and the tumor's size.

Some common signs include a lump or mass in the belly, pain in the abdomen (especially on one side), blood in the urine, high blood pressure, frequent urination, fever, loss of appetite and weight, and a general feeling of tiredness or being unwell.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, please consult your pediatrician. Early diagnosis is key for the most successful treatment.

Diagnosing Pediatric Renal Tumors

Diagnosing a pediatric renal tumor usually involves a series of tests:

Physical examination – Your child's doctor will feel their abdomen to check for lumps or masses.
Imaging tests – This may include an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI to get a clearer picture of the tumor and surrounding organs.
Blood and urine tests – These tests can help determine the overall health of your child and sometimes provide clues about the type of tumor.
Biopsy – In some cases, a small sample of tissue from the tumor may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

How to Treat Pediatric Renal Tumors

The good news is that pediatric renal tumors are highly treatable with a good prognosis. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as your child's age and overall health.

Common treatment options include:

Surgery – This is the most common treatment for pediatric renal tumors. The goal is to remove the entire tumor, preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
Chemotherapy – This uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells.
Radiation therapy – Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to target and kill cancer cells.